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According to the managing director of Bollinger *****, Charles-Armand de Belenet, the Champagne region is entering a "new era". As he explained in an interview with the industry magazine Drink Business, the region is now shifting its focus to single-vineyard and still wines.
Due to climate change and the improved ripeness of the grapes, more and more champagnes could be produced whose terroirs could be clearly differentiated. This trend has also favoured high-quality vintner champagnes. Belenet said that champagne used to be "mainly used to celebrate a terroir and present international brands". Today, he said, many producers wanted to reflect not only the characteristics of villages in Champagne, but also of specific vineyards. This would also lead to a greater production volume of still wines. He calls this development the "Burgundisation of Champagne". Historically, it has had more in common with Bordeaux and its château system, but is "now closer to Burgundy with its focus on terroir and villages. I think a new era of champagne is beginning. In the coming years, we will be able to produce outstanding still wines that are very similar to the great wines from Burgundy".
Bolliinger will therefore expand its range of non-sparkling wines. After the Coteaux Champenois La Côte aux Enfants made from Pinot Noir grapes, the house could release further still wines in the coming year. This goes against the global trend away from red wines and towards sparkling wines. However, this does not affect the luxury wine segment, to which Bollinger belongs.
(al / Source: drinksbusiness.com, own material)